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Othello the Hero, 2002.
A comparison of the character of Othello in Shakespeare's play, to Jesus.
930 words (approx. 3.7 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 33.95
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Abstract
As the central character in William Shakespeare?s famous tragedy, Othello is generally considered to be a heroic individual. By examining the text of the play, and by comparison with another, widely recognized heroic character, Jesus Christ, this paper argues that Othello?s claim to heroic status should be affirmed.
From the Paper
"Othello was a nobleman and an African Moor by birth, who rose to acclaim the position of Governor-General of Cyprus, which was a city-state within Venice. In addition to being the highest rank within the military of his state, the title of Governor-General ensured that Othello was regarded with respect and admiration by the vast majority of society. His status as heroic is made apparent early in the play when, as he enters a room which is occupied by a gathering of senators and noblemen, one of the senators declares, ?Here comes Barbantio and the valiant Moor? (Act 1, Scene 3). Therefore, on a superficial level alone, the nobility of his birth, the power and respect accorded by his social position, and his physical appearance, of height and strength, fulfils many of the generally regarded requirements of a hero. This initial profile of Othello is also in stark contrast to that of Jesus Christ, who is born into a life of poverty, achieves the title of ?carpenter?, and is neither tall nor strong in appearance."
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"Hamlet", 2002.
An examination of the expectations of life as experienced by the characters in Shakespeare's "Hamlet."
1,500 words (approx. 6.0 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 49.95
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Abstract
This paper focuses on the characters on Claudius and Hamlet and their "life experiences". The writer shows that expectations are dangerous as they consist of a mixture of emotion and reason, and ultimately effect our perception of appearance and reality. Different scenes of the play are analyzed as to how the characters react when expecting certain events to occur and things do not turn out as expected.
From the Paper
"Through the telling of Hamlet, Shakespeare presents to us a very important idea about life: more often than not, we let our expectations have too much influence over our perceptions of situations. Even if we do not fall into the conflict of emotion versus reason, our expectations can still blind us as they decide the internal outcome of a situation before it even happens."
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City and Country in the "Prince of Tides", 2002.
A comparison of the settings in Shakespeare's plays and in Pat Conroy's "Prince of Tides".
1,710 words (approx. 6.8 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 55.95
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Abstract
The paper explains that like in Shakespeare's plays, Conroy also provides a clear setting for each type of scene. Like in Shakespeare?s comedies, ?Prince of Tides? also makes it very easy to discern exactly where each scene is taking place. The paper examines the main character of the novel, Tom Wingo, and discusses how each scene is represented by a mood and specific setting - , the low-country in the south represents honesty and understanding whereas New York City represents dangerous denial and calamity.
From the Paper
"William Shakespeare?s comedies often differentiate between the staid, political atmosphere of the court and the city, and the raucous carnival atmosphere of the forest and the countryside. Often, characters will escape the court to the forest to explore their inner depths and their passions. The result is a dichotomy that permeates several of his plays: even from close textual analysis of one passage in a Shakespeare comedy, the reader is able to discern whether the scene takes place in the court or in the forest."
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Shakespeare's "King Lear", 2002.
This paper discusses the use of animal imagery in William Shakespeare's "King Lear".
1,850 words (approx. 7.4 pages), 0 sources, $ 59.95
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Abstract
This paper looks at the references to animals within Shakespeare's "King Lear" and attempts to understand the choice of animal motifs and the role they are intended to play in conveying the playwright?s message.
From the Paper
"In his discourse with the king, the Fool refers to an animal again in the lines, ?Fools had ne'er less wit in a year/ For wise men are grown foppish/ They know not how their wits to wear/ Their manners are so apish? (1.4.152-155). Here, too, the fool is making fun of the king?s paying heed to wrong advise and people by comparing his behaviour with that of an ape?s propensity to imitate. In other words, the Fool is implying that the king is imitating other foolish people instead of retaining his own counsel.
The Fool, as is already evident, is very fond of drawing comparisons to animals to make his point. And so, again we hear him say, ?For, you trow, nuncle/ The hedge-sparrow fed the cuckoo so long? (1.4.207-208). The fool uses the analogy of the hedge-sparrow feeding the cuckoo too long to King Lear?s decision to carve up his kingdom between his daughters, implying that the King was doing more for his children than he should."
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Tragedy in "Hamlet", 2002.
A look at the theme of tragedy in William Shakespeare's "Hamlet".
1,070 words (approx. 4.3 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 37.95
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Abstract
The paper shows that from the beginning of William Shakespeare's play, "Hamlet", the foundation for tragedy is set by introducing the main character in a scene of mourning. The paper discusses various other themes throughout the play where the theme of tragedy is reflected.
From the Paper
"A tragedy always reveals the main character's weakness. In this case, Hamlet's weakness was his vulnerability and his indecision. He wouldn't listen to his associates when he had the chance. He also didn't act promptly when given a chance to avenge his father's death. Had he killed his uncle in the offset of the play, it is arguable that some of the deaths towards the end of the play may not have occurred. Hamlet needed proof that the ghosts were telling the truth. Since he didn't believe them and had given his uncle the benefit of doubt, the tragedy unfolded."
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The Character of Helena, 2002.
An analysis of the character of Helena in Shakespeare play "All?s Well That Ends Well".
1,410 words (approx. 5.6 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 46.95
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Abstract
This paper presents a character analysis of Helena in the Shakespearean play "All's Well That Ends Well". Often criticized for her manipulative deeds and lack of feminine attributes, Helena's personality is explored by focusing on her feminine and masculine traits and by analyzing her motives. Shakespeare's use of literary devices such as foreshadowing is also explored.
From the Paper
"In Shakespeare?s plays, we often find the female characters to be more powerful and unique in their attributes than the ones that existed in actual 17th century English society. This is exactly the impression we get from the character of Helena in ?All?s well that ends well?, as the woman refuses to be bound by moral and societal restrictions and passionately seeks fulfillment of her desires. Not only that, we also notice that Helena, though lower in social standing than her husband Bertram, doesn?t take into account the status barriers and being fully aware of her rights as a wife tries to win her husband over despite his persistent rejection. The theme of ethics and morality dominantly overshadows the entire play with readers being forced to analyze and judge every person?s motives and every situation in the light of twisted sense of morality that Helena possessed. Helena?s character has been a constant source of conflict among critics as Levin (1930) writes, ?Some regard her as a genuine romantic heroine--resourceful, yes, but also virtuous, feminine, charming, and modest. She never behaves cynically, and her motives are above reproach . The alternative view is that Helena mercilessly pursues Bertram. Whether she is at first motivated by love, sex or ambition she sets out to trap Bertram, succeeds, and--when he flees her--captures him again. She gets the husband she deserves, a spoiled aristocrat." (Levin, pg. 131)"
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The Downfall of Macbeth, 2002.
An analysis of William Shakespeare's "Macbeth" with an examination of the reasons for his demise.
1,160 words (approx. 4.6 pages), 2 sources, $ 39.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses Shakespeare's use of Macbeth to illustrate the universal theme that a lack of strength of character will lead to one's downfall. Macbeth's actions and the motivations behind them are demonstrated with examples from the story and text.
From the Paper
"Many a great man has fallen prey to greed, ambition and power. Macbeth is no exception. His ambition to control the power of the thrown confuses his judgement. He succumbs first to the prophecies of the three witches and then later, murderously, to his wife?s bidding.
Shakespeare uses Macbeth to show the terrible effects that ambition and guilt can have on a man who lacks strength of character. Although the play was written in 1600 England, its theme is universal and cares not about time. It is Macbeth?s lack of character strength that is his demise.
The reader is introduced to Macbeth by way of description. A ?bleeding sergeant? meets the good King Duncan and his son, Malcolm. The sergeant tells a tale of the recent battle in which ?brave Macbeth? fought bravely (I.ii.19). At first introduction, Macbeth seems to be the perfect soldier, ?carving out his passage? (I.ii.22). Between meeting the witches and his wife?s immoral determination, we are left wondering if Macbeth ever really stood a chance against fate. Perhaps had he not started his crime wave, he might not have ended so horribly and would not have become the ?tyrannt? everyone calls him by the end of the play."
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Updike's "Gertrude and Claudius", 2002.
An analysis of the story and how it compares to Shakespeare's "Hamlet".
1,120 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 0 sources, $ 38.95
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Abstract
This paper presents an analysis of Updike's "Gertrude and Claudius". While the plot remains the same as in Shakespeare's "Hamlet", Updike presents a completely different view of middle-aged sexuality in this story. The character of Gertrude is explored.
From the Paper
"?The plot of Shakespeare?s ?Hamlet? seems complicated enough!? a casual reader might be tempted to exclaim. Why render the story even more complicated by attempting to surmise ?back story? of some of the more minor characters of the tale, in relation to the action of this already very long play? However, John Updike?s novel Gertrude and Claudius attempts create just such a prologue. In providing a past history for the hero?s mother Gertrude, Updike creates a far different woman in his novel than the sensual, guilty lady of the Jacobean drama ?Hamlet.?
"In Updike?s vision of Gertrude, Gertrude or ?Gerutha? was a strong, beautiful young woman who was married to a warrior Horwendil the Jute by her father. She didn?t love the man, but was forced into the arrangement. When the warrior?s father died, he and she assumed the throne of Denmark as king and queen. Gertrude never really accepted her status as wife of Horwendil and mother of Hamlet. She only came to a full sensuous understanding of herself as a woman when she entered into a liaison with her husband?s brother."
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Female Characters in ?The Winter?s Tale?, 2002.
A paper which discusses how Shakespeare presents female characters with both inner and outer strength in "The Winter?s Tale".
1,150 words (approx. 4.6 pages), 1 source, $ 39.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses how, in "The Winter?s Tale", William Shakespeare presents female characters with both inner and exterior strength. It shows that along with the strength, are the qualities of understanding, forgiveness and patience. It explores the three characters in the play that represent these female characteristics - Hermione, Paulina and Perdita. For all three female characters, they are a part of the action and suffer because of the events in the play. Yet even in suffering they remain gracious and strong and forgiving. The paper discusses how it is these characteristics that make "The Winter?s Tale" a play about how strong and solid the female character can be, with the outcome of the play also showing what an impact these qualities can have.
From the Paper
"Hermione is the central female character of the play and also the one who suffers the most. At the same time, she is the character who has the greatest amount of strength. In the play, Hermione is accused of infidelity by her husband, something that must hurt her deeply. And yet even when her husband accuses her, she remains calm. When Leontes first calls Hermione an adulteress she denies it calmly and elegantly saying, ?should a villain say so, the most replenish?d villain in the world, he were as much more villain: you, my Lord, do but mistake? (II,i). For the audience, the calmness that Hermione possesses is emphasized by the contrast with her husband."
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Madness in "Hamlet", 2002.
A critical review of Shakespeare's "Hamlet", with specific reference to the theme of madness.
2,180 words (approx. 8.7 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 67.95
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Abstract
This paper reviews ?Hamlet? by Shakespeare, focusing on the concept of madness. It investigates what the nature of madness is and whether madness can even be defined in a ?mad world?. It then strives to espouse what a person can learn about his/herself by studying Hamlet?s interaction with the concept of madness.
From the Paper
"Sometimes there?s a fine line between madness and sanity. Sometimes there?s a fine line between pretense and reality. Pretending madness for too long, could send one over the brink, especially if one has a propensity to brilliance, instability and overanalysis. Shakespeare asks his audience to look deeply into the themes he incorporates into his dramas, offering them an opportunity to explore how his ideas might apply to their own lives. In Hamlet Shakespeare weaves madness into a complex thematic tapestry. He is not asking us to decide if Hamlet is really mad, rather he is asking us to consider several questions: What is the nature of madness? Can madness even be defined in a mad world? What can I learn about myself by studying Hamlet?s interaction with the concept of madness?"
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Kent in Shakespeare?s ?King Lear?, 2002.
This paper explores the role of Kent in Shakespeare?s ?King Lear? as a foreshadow of Lear?s growth from an unfeeling man, to a man who places love above all else.
780 words (approx. 3.1 pages), 1 source, $ 27.95
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Abstract
This author believes that Kent is perhaps one of the most loyal subjects ever written by Shakespeare. He states that Kent is a complex person, who is loyal to his king, even when he must disagree with him. By doing this, the paper says that Kent causes the reader to look for signs of redemption in King Lear.
From the Paper
"Kent is blunt and does not know how to soften his words. This gets him into trouble, but Kent?s way of communicating also stands in contrast to those around the King who merely say what he wants to hear. Kent?s outspoken nature serves to emphasize the cause of King Lear?s difficulties: he has lost track of who to believe."
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Shakespeare?s Sonnets, 2002.
An analysis of William Shakespeare's sonnets, focusing on the intended audience and the issue of time.
985 words (approx. 3.9 pages), 0 sources, $ 34.95
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Abstract
This paper divides Shakespeare's sonnets into two groups: 1 - 126 are addressed to a young man, and 127 - 152 are addressed to a dark lady.
The paper describes how an analysis of the sonnets show his feelings towards these two people. The writer provides examples from several sonnets in order to illustrate the different relationship Shakespeare appears to have with the young man and the dark lady. Another issue discussed in this paper, is Shakespeare's frequent use of time as an enemy.
From the Paper
"Shakespeare?s sonnets can be divided into two parts. The first 126 are addressed to a young man, while from 127 to 152 are addressed to a dark lady. While Shakespeare does not express who these two people are or his relationship with them, an analysis of the sonnets does show his feelings towards the two people. Shakespeare appears to genuinely love and care for the young man. In contrast, he loves the dark lady but in a lustful way, which at the same times makes him despise her."
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